Associate & Allied Vendor Membership for Companies That Serve Dealers
Associate membership in an auto dealer association is built for the companies that sell to, service, and support franchised dealerships - and associate (allied) membership at NOADA gives those vendors a direct, credible path to the Northeast Ohio dealer community. If your business provides products or services to dealerships - F&I products, insurance, technology, advertising, lending, fixed-ops supplies, accounting, legal, construction, or anything in between - associate membership puts you in the room with the dealers you want to reach. NOADA has connected the people who run Northeast Ohio dealerships since 1927, and associate members become part of that network.
This page explains what associate (allied) membership is, who it is for, what you get, and - importantly - how it is different from being a NOADA endorsed partner. The two are often confused, and the distinction matters for how you go to market.
Associate membership vs. endorsed partnership
This is the first question almost every vendor asks, so we will answer it up front. NOADA offers two distinct ways for a company that serves dealers to work with the association, and they are not the same thing.
| Associate (allied) member | Endorsed partner | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A dues-paying vendor membership that gives you access to the dealer community | A formal NOADA endorsement of a specific product or service |
| Who it is for | Any reputable company that sells to or serves dealerships | A single, vetted provider in a category NOADA chooses to endorse |
| Endorsement | None - you are a member, not endorsed | Yes - NOADA recommends the provider to members |
| Exclusivity | Open to many vendors per category | Typically one provider per category |
| How you get it | Apply and pay associate dues | By invitation/selection after NOADA vetting |
| Member pricing | You may offer members pricing; not required | Members-only pricing is part of the deal |
| Best for | Visibility, relationships, lead generation | Becoming NOADA’s recommended solution in your category |
In short: associate membership is open and earns you access; endorsement is selective and earns you a recommendation. Many companies start as associate members, build relationships, and later pursue endorsed-partner status in their category. See endorsed partners for how that program works.
Who should consider associate membership
Associate membership is designed for any company whose customers are - or should be - franchised dealerships. That includes, but is not limited to:
- F&I providers - service contracts, GAP, ancillary products, menu and compliance tools
- Lenders and financial institutions - floorplan, retail financing, banking
- Insurance - garage, property, employee benefits, dealer-specific coverages
- Technology and software - DMS, CRM, digital retailing, websites, electronic titling
- Marketing and media - advertising, agencies, reputation, video, local media
- Professional services - accounting, legal, HR, payroll, tax
- Facilities and fixed ops - construction, signage, equipment, parts, supplies, environmental
- Compliance and security - data security, document destruction, training providers
If dealers are your market, an association membership is one of the most efficient ways to reach a concentrated, qualified audience of decision-makers in one region.
What associate members get
Allied members at strong dealer associations attend trainings and events at member prices and get visibility in association communications - and NOADA’s associate membership is built on that same proven model.
Visibility and credibility
- Associate-member listing in NOADA’s vendor/associate directory, so member dealers can find you when they need your category of service.
- Association affiliation you can reference in your own marketing - a signal to dealers that you are engaged with their industry, not a cold vendor.
- Inclusion opportunities in NOADA communications and the newsletter (e.g., submitting product news or informational articles for consideration). Contact NOADA at (330) 272-9011 for current associate-member communication opportunities.
Access and relationships
- Event access to NOADA gatherings - the annual meeting, the golf outing, and member functions - where relationships with dealers are actually built.
- Member-rate registration for NOADA education sessions, seminars, and webinars, so your team can learn the same industry topics dealers do.
- Networking with the franchised-dealer community across Akron, Summit County, and Northeast Ohio in one place.
Sponsorship and exposure (optional)
- Sponsorship opportunities at NOADA events and programs for vendors that want a higher profile. Contact NOADA at (330) 272-9011 for current sponsorship options.
How associate membership pays off for a vendor
The value of associate membership is concentrated access. Instead of chasing individual dealerships cold, you are present where they already gather and visible in the channels they already trust. One relationship started at a NOADA event, one well-placed listing a dealer finds at the moment of need, or one sponsorship that puts your name in front of a room of decision-makers can return the cost of membership many times over. For most vendors, the question is not whether the membership pays for itself - it is how actively you work it.
Associate membership dues are based on your company; contact NOADA at (330) 272-9011 for current rates and the full benefit list.
How to become an associate member
- Confirm fit. Associate membership is for companies that serve dealers. If you are a franchised new-car or -truck dealer, you want regular membership instead.
- Apply. Submit the associate-membership application with your company details and category, or call NOADA at (330) 272-9011 to get started.
- Pay associate dues. Associate dues are based on your company; contact NOADA at (330) 272-9011 for current rates.
- Get listed and get active. Complete your directory profile and start attending events. The members who get the most out of associate membership are the ones who show up.
A note on the franchised-dealer model
NOADA represents franchised new-car and -truck dealers - the local businesses that sell, finance, and service the vehicles in your community under state franchise law. Vendors who understand that model tend to be the most effective partners to our members. If you want context on why the franchise system matters to dealers and consumers alike, see Franchise System 101.
Frequently asked questions
What is an associate (allied) member? A company that sells products or services to dealerships and joins NOADA as a vendor member - gaining directory visibility, event access, dealer networking, and member-rate education, without being formally endorsed by NOADA.
How is associate membership different from being an endorsed partner? Associate membership is open to many qualified vendors and gives you access to the dealer community. An endorsed partnership is a selective, usually one-per-category arrangement in which NOADA actively recommends a provider to members. Endorsement is earned through vetting; associate membership is earned by applying and paying dues.
Can my company be both? Yes. Many endorsed partners are also associate members, and associate membership is often the starting point for a vendor that later seeks endorsement in its category.
Do associate members get to set up at NOADA events? Associate members get event access, and many events offer sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities. Contact NOADA at (330) 272-9011 for current event and sponsorship options.
Who is not a good fit for associate membership? Franchised dealers themselves - they should pursue regular NOADA membership. Associate membership is specifically for the vendor and service-provider community.
How much does associate membership cost? Associate membership dues are based on your company. Contact NOADA at (330) 272-9011 for current rates.
Join the dealer community as a vendor
- Become an associate member - call NOADA at (330) 272-9011 to apply and join the vendor community.
- Explore endorsed partnership - if you want to be NOADA’s recommended provider in your category
- See the dealer directory - the member stores you want to reach
- Questions? Call NOADA at (330) 272-9011